Illinois Sports Betting: Best Illinois Sportsbooks for March 2026

• 📆 Feb 18, 2026: HB 4171, which would block local governments from adding additional taxes or licensing requirements for sports betting in Illinois, is approved by the House Gaming Committee 15-0. The bill will now head to the House floor for its second reading.

• 📆 Feb 10, 2026: Illinois Rep. Daniel Didech files HB 5143 to repeal the state's per-wager tax on online sportsbooks, effective July 1, 2026.

• 📆 Feb 6, 2026: The Illinois Gaming Board and Attorney General issue over 60 cease-and-desist letters to illegal online casino and sweepstakes operators.

• 📆 Jan 15, 2026: November 2025 sets all-time state records with $1.66 billion in handle, $169 million in revenue, and $69.9 million in tax receipts.

• 📆 Jan 1, 2026: Chicago's new 10.25% tax on online sports betting revenue generated within city limits takes effect as part of the city's 2026 budget.

• 📆 Dec. 31, 2025: Illinois finishes 2025 with approximately $15.65 billion in total sports betting handle, ranking second nationally behind New York.

• 📆 Nov 17, 2025: The Sports Betting Alliance reports a 15% year-over-year decline in individual wagers since the per-wager tax took effect in July.

• 📆 Oct. 16, 2025: In his budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has proposed an additional 10.25% tax on sportsbook operators on adjusted gross revenue from Chicago's city limits.

• 📆 Oct. 16, 2025: The August revenue report is released, showing handle surpassed $1 billion and brought in over $33.4 million in tax revenue for the state.

• 📆 Aug. 4, 2025: The Illinois Gaming Board bans all forms of sports betting advertising during live sports programming statewide.

• 📆 Jul 1, 2025: Illinois' per-wager excise tax takes effect — $0.25 on each of the first 20 million online bets per operator, $0.50 per bet thereafter.

Our RotoWire sports betting experts have reviewed all the best online sportsbooks in Illinois. Here are some details about each Illinois sportsbook:

bet365 Illinois Sportsbook

bet365 is one of the most recent sportsbooks to launch in Illinois, having become available in March 2025. The global leader quickly put itself on the map and has become the best overall platform for bettors in the state thanks to its competitive odds, intuitive interface, and new and existing user promos.

The bet365 bonus code gives you a choice between a $1,000 First Bet Safety Net or a Bet $10, Get $365 in Bonus Bets welcome offer.

BetMGM Illinois Sportsbook

My favorite BetMGM feature is the ability to "Select Your Squad" which puts your favorite teams front and center when opening the app. This is especially useful for bettors who get the majority of their action on local teams. 

Signing up with our BetMGM bonus code gets you access to the $1,500 Paid Back in Bonus Bets If You Don't Win + $50 in BetMGM Rewards Points sign-up offer.

Fanatics Illinois Sportsbook

A well-known name among sports fans thanks to their dominance in merch and collectibles, users can rack up FanCash rewards with every wager on Fanatics Sportsbook. The best part is you can put your FanCash toward new gear or easily convert it to bonus bets for betting.

The Fanatics Sportsbook promo is unique from most other welcome offers as well, allowing you to Bet $5 Get $200 FanCash Immediately over 10 days. 

Caesars Illinois Sportsbook

While odds boosts have become a common feature among legal betting operators, none match the amount and frequency found at Caesars. Pair that with one of the most recognizable gambling brands with decades of experience, and you have a winner. 

You can use our Caesars Sportsbook promo code to get a Bet Match Up to $250 in bonus bets on your first wager. 

FanDuel Illinois Sportsbook

FanDuel consistently has some of the highest app ratings for both Android and iOS users and it's easy to see why. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, payouts are prompt, and the odds are competitive across every market.

You can take advantage of today's FanDuel Sportsbook promo code to get the $300 in Bonus Bets Back Every Day for 10 Days welcome offer.  

DraftKings Illinois Sportsbook

DraftKings is one of the top sportsbook brands across the country and that's certainly the case in the Prairie State, as DK is always in the top two in terms of monthly handle. Add in a retail betting location at Wrigley Field, and you have a brand cemented in the state.

If you've never signed up for the betting app OR DFS product, be sure to claim our DraftKings promo code to get the Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly + 100% NCAA Tournament Winner Boost sign-up offer. 

All legal Illinois sportsbooks are reviewed and vetted by the IGB prior to receiving a license. As of March 2026, these are the legal sportsbooks in IL:

• bet365
• BetRivers
• BetMGM
• Caesars
• Circa
• DraftKings
• Fanataics Sportsbook
• FanDuel
• Hard Rock Bet
• theScore Bet

New Sportsbooks in Illinois

The "newest" sportsbook to go live in Illinois was bet365 in March 2025. Yes, theScore Bet launched in December 2025, but that was a rebrand from ESPN BET, as mentioned above. 

It wouldn't be surprising to see Bally Bet eventually join the list of sportsbooks in Illinois, but the company has already stated they are focusing on the Chicago casino project rather than launching the mobile betting app.

Retail Illinois Sportsbooks

For bettors who prefer the in-person experience, Illinois has 13 authorized retail sportsbook locations at casinos, racetracks, and sports venues across the state:

• BetRivers Sportsbook at Rivers Casino (Des Plaines)
• Caesars Sportsbook at Grand Victoria Casino (Elgin)
• DraftKings at Casino Queen Sportsbook (East St. Louis)
• DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field (Chicago)
• FanDuel Par-A-Dice Sportsbook (East Peoria)
• FanDuel Sportsbook & Horse Racing at Fairmount Park (Collinsville)
• Fanatics Sportsbook at Hawthorne Race Course (Stickney)
• Hard Rock Sportsbook at Hard Rock Casino Rockford
• Circa Sports at The Temporary by American Place Casino (Waukegan)
• Bally Bet Sportsbook in the Quad Cities (Rock Island)
• Sportsbook at Argosy Casino Alton
• Sportsbook at Hollywood Casino Aurora
• Sportsbook at Hollywood Casino Joliet

With 10 legal options to choose from, finding the right sportsbook (or sportsbooks) comes down to what matters most to you. Here are a few things to look for:

Read Reviews

Don't just go with the first ad you see. Check out user reviews on the App Store, Google Play, and read the independent reviews we've put together. When it comes to user reviews on app stores, pay attention to patterns. If you see multiple complaints about slow payouts or clunky navigation, take that seriously.

Types of Bets Allowed

Every licensed Illinois sportsbook is going to prvide the basics — moneylines, spreads, and totals. But the variety of offerings beyond those staples will vary. Some apps have deeper prop markets, better live betting options, or more expansive same game parlay combinations. If you have a specific betting style or maket you're looking for, make sure the app supports it.

Odds Pricing

Odds aren't identical across sportsbooks. Even small differences in the juice (vig) on a spread or total can add up over time. Shopping lines across multiple books is one of the easiest ways to improve your long-term results.

Welcome Bonus

Every IL sportsbook, with the exception of Circa, has a sign-up promotion for new users. Although there are two main types of welcome offers, the biggest difference is in the fine print. Read the terms carefully and look for minimum odds requirements, expiration windows on bonus bets, and whether you need a promo code.

User Experience

The app you use most is the one that feels best in your hand. Some bettors prefer DraftKings' feature-packed approach, while others like FanDuel's cleaner layout. Download a few and test them out before committing to one as your primary book.

Deposit + Withdrawals

All Illinois sportsbooks accept common deposit methods like debit cards, bank transfers, and PayPal. If you're using the most common methods, you likely won't have any trouble moving money in and out of your account. If you want to use something like Skrill or PayByMe, however, you may need to look around.

Customer Service

Things go wrong sometimes — a bet settles incorrectly, a deposit doesn't process, or a bonus doesn't apply. Having access to responsive customer support matters. Most apps offer live chat, but response times and quality vary by operator.

One of our biggest "pro tips" is signing up for at least two sportsbooks.

Take Advantage of Welcome Promotions

Every sportsbook offers a different welcome bonus for new users. By claiming multiple Illinois sports betting promos, you can take advantage of additional value across several platforms. 

Most bonuses require minimal deposits and initial wagers, so this also allows you to try out multiple brands for a low initial cost while getting something in return.

Get the Best Odds

Odds vary from book to book. If you only have one app, you're stuck with whatever price they set. Having accounts at three or four books means you can always shop for the best number before placing a bet. Over time, getting an extra half-point or better juice adds up.

Access to Different Features

Each sportsbook has its own strengths. DraftKings excels in live betting, FanDuel has the best SGP builder, bet365 offers live streaming, and Circa Sports provides the sharpest odds. Using multiple apps gives you access to the best features from each.

On June 3, 2019, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed SB 690, which legalized both in-person and online sports betting in the state of Illinois. Retail locations that are allowed to offer sports betting in Illinois include casinos, racetracks, and select sports venues. These are also the groups that can partner with online brands to provide access to betting apps in the state.

At the start, SB 690 initially demanded an in-person registration requirement. This meant you had to physically visit an approved retail location to register for an online sportsbook. However, on May 5, 2022, a law was passed to remove that requirement.

Illinois Sports Betting Licenses

Sports betting licenses in Illinois are tied to existing gaming licensees — casinos, racetracks, and professional sports venues. License fees are set at 5% of the previous year's or current year's handle (whichever applies), with a maximum fee of $10 million. Online-only licenses carry a $20 million fee. The IGB manages the licensing process and can issue both temporary operating permits and four-year full licenses.

What Is the Legal Age to Bet in Illinois?

You must be at least 21 years old to place a sports bet in Illinois, whether online or at a retail location.

Do I Need to Be a Resident to Bet on Sports in Illinois?

No, you do not need to be an Illinois resident to bet on sports in the state. As long as you are 21 or older and physically located within Illinois borders, you can create an account with a licensed sportsbook and place wagers. All apps use geolocation to verify your position.

Illegal Sportsbooks in Illinois

Despite having one of the most robust legal markets in the country, Illinois bettors will still encounter ads and offers from unlicensed offshore sportsbooks. We strongly recommend avoiding these sites. They operate outside U.S. law, which means you have zero consumer protections if something goes wrong, whether it's a disputed payout, a frozen account, or a data breach. There's no regulator to call and no recourse if an offshore book decides not to pay you or sells your information.

The Illinois Gaming Board has actively pursued enforcement against illegal operators and has sent cease-and-desist letters to 11 illegal offshore sportsbooks such as Bovada and BetOnline. The IGB and Attorney General have also targeted sweepstake casino sites, sending sixty additional cease-and-desist orders to those types of platforms.

Stick with the 10 licensed operators listed on this page. They're regulated, audited, and held accountable by the IGB.

The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) is the sole state regulator for all sports wagering and gambling activity in Illinois. The IGB oversees licensing, compliance, enforcement, and reporting for every retail and online sportsbook operating in the state. It also publishes detailed monthly reports on handle, revenue, and tax revenue generated for the state.

How to Contact the Illinois Gaming Commission

You can reach the Illinois Gaming Board through the following offices:

Chicago Office: 160 North LaSalle Street, Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60601

Springfield Office: 801 S. 7th Street, Suite 400-South, Springfield, IL 62703

Phone: (312) 814-4700

Website: igb.illinois.gov

Taxes for sports betting in Illinois have been a major talking point not only across the state, but across the industry as a whole. Illinois became the first state to implement a per-bet fee, which sportsbooks passed on to bettors. 

For bettors: Gambling winnings in Illinois are subject to a flat state income tax rate of 4.95%, plus federal taxes. If your net winnings exceed $600, you should expect to receive a W-2G form. Even if you don't receive one, you're still responsible for reporting all gambling income on your tax return.

For operators: Since July 2024, Illinois has used a graduated tax on adjusted gross sports wagering revenue. Rates start at 20% on the first $30 million in annual AGR and scale up to 40% on revenue above $200 million. On top of that, online operators pay a per-wager excise tax ($0.25 per bet for the first 20 million, $0.50 per bet after that), and operators generating revenue in Chicago pay an additional 10.25% city tax. Cook County also charges a 2% levy on sports betting revenue.

You can bet on professional and collegiate sports in Illinois. You will also find some obscure/niche sports like rugby and darts, depending on the operator. 

There are some restrictions on Illinois betting when it comes to college sports, which we'll cover below.

NFL Betting in Illinois

The NFL is the most popular sport to bet on in the United States and Illinois. In fact, BetRivers Illinois Sportsbook is the official betting partner of the Chicago Bears, which is the only NFL team in the state. Super Bowl Odds are available months before the season, showing how popular the league is.

When looking at NFL betting options, the betting markets are endless. You will find betting options during the season and throughout the offseason, with a laundry list of futures betting types available year-round. Take a look at the best NFL betting sites to wager on football in the state of Illinois.

NBA Betting in Illinois

Illinois bettors can wager on NBA markets of all shapes and sizes. However, Illinois bettors typically like to place bets on their Chicago Bulls, the state's only NBA franchise. While NBA betting sites are not as popular as NFL betting, it is not far behind. When NBA betting, you will find ample markets to bet on during in-season play. You will also find futures markets for the NBA, like the Bulls to win the NBA Championship or a particular star player to win MVP.

MLB Betting in Illinois

With two MLB teams in the state — the Chicago White Sox and the Chicago Cubs — Illinois bettors never get bored betting on their favorite MLB clubs. With 162 games to bet on plus the postseason, MLB betting rarely takes a break. During the quiet period in the United States' sports betting calendar - which is between the time the NBA and NHL playoffs end and the NFL season begins, the MLB is in full swing and is the primary focus for Illinois betting.

NHL Betting in Illinois

The NHL may not be as popular as the other three major sports in the United States, but Illinois bettors are still able to bet on their Chicago Blackhawks during the NHL season. Like other sports, you have a multitude of betting markets and bet types to choose from for NHL betting purposes in Illinois. You will even find NHL futures betting during the offseason, primarily focusing on the upcoming year's Stanley Cup Finals.

College Sports Betting in Illinois

While you can bet on college sports in Illinois, there is one major limitation. Betting on in-state schools and universities is banned. This means you won't be able to put any money down on Illinois football or Loyola basketball.

For the time being, you can bet on college player props for out-of-state schools, but props have come under heavy scrutiny in recent months and could be taken off the table entirely.

There are eight notable professional and collegiate sports teams to bet on when it comes to sports betting in Illinois. And although Illinois bettors can wager freely on pro clubs, the rules operate slightly differently for collegiate teams located in the state.

If you want to bet on a college team located in the state of Illinois, you must do so at an in-person retail sportsbook. You cannot place these wagers at one of the many betting apps in Illinois.

Chicago Cubs

If you want to bet on the Chicago Cubs, you will find plenty of game markets to choose from. Not only will you also find unique player props, but you can also bet on futures markets like the NL Cy Young award winner.

Chicago White Sox

When you bet on the Chicago White Sox at one of the mobile sportsbooks in Illinois, you will find ample betting types. In addition to your bread-and-butter standard wagers, you can also build complex same-game parlays at most Illinois betting apps. The action does not stop when the MLB season ends either. You can bet on MLB futures like the upcoming World Series winner at most online sportsbooks in Illinois.

Chicago Blackhawks

If you want to bet on the Chicago Blackhawks, you have your choice from all the different NHL markets offered at Illinois sportsbooks. From game and player props in-season all the way through to the upcoming winner of the Stanley Cup playoffs with offseason futures betting, you can place just about any type of NHL wager at your favorite mobile sportsbook in Illinois.

Chicago Bears

Since the NFL is the most popular sport to bet on in the United States, it makes sense that it is just as popular in Illinois. So, if you want to bet on the Chicago Bears, then you will never fall short of betting options. Of all the sports, the NFL offers the most betting markets at Illinois sportsbooks.

Illinois Fighting Illini

You can bet on college sports in Illinois. However, if you want to bet on the Illinois Fighting Illini, you can only do so in person at a retail Illinois sportsbook. However, any other collegiate market is permitted, like March Madness bets involving out-of-state teams.

Northwestern Wildcats

If you want to bet on the Northwestern Wildcats, you must do so in person at a retail Illinois sportsbook. However, every other college team not located in Illinois is fair game for Illinois bettors. So, if you want to place a bet on the winner of the upcoming Duke vs North Carolina game or the winner of the College Football Playoff National Championship game, you can do so at any Illinois mobile sports betting site.

Chicago Bulls

You will find ample betting markets for the NBA at Illinois sportsbooks. From complex same-game parlays to a variety of offseason futures betting options like the winner of the upcoming NBA Finals, you can find them all at your favorite Illinois sports betting app. If you think the Chicago Bulls will be the next NBA champion, place a futures bet on them today.

Chicago Fire

If you want to bet on MLS soccer, you can do so at all your favorite Illinois online sports betting sites. While the Chicago Fire is Illinois' only MLS team, you are not limited to only betting on them. You can place wagers on any MLS team or almost any soccer market in general at Illinois sportsbooks, including the EPL.

There are many betting types available at Illinois online sportsbooks. Not only will you find all the most popular sports, but you will find obscure sports across both professional and collegiate markets. And when it comes to types of bets, you won't fall short of options there either.

Spreads

When you place a points spread wager, you are betting on one team's margin of victory or defeat against their opponent. The team with minus spread is the favorite whereas the team with the plus spread is the designated underdog.

Totals

When you bet on the total, you are making an over/under wager. With this betting type, you are betting on the number of expected points scored between the two sides. Simply place a bet on the over or the under, depending on how you think the game will play out.

Moneyline

When you bet on the moneyline, you are wagering on the most simplistic form of sports betting. All you have to do is pick the side you think will win the game outright. This is also called outright betting in some parts of the world.

Prop Bets

With prop bets, you are betting on an outcome that is not directly correlated with the final score or the result of the game. Prop bets can come in the form of game props, team props and player props. You will also find exotic props surrounding an event of magnitude like the Super Bowl.

Futures

When you bet on a futures wager, you are betting on an outcome that is not determined until the end of a season, postseason, or after a specific event is completed.

Parlays

Parlay bets combine two or more bet selections into one individual bet slip. Each individual selection is called a leg. If all the legs in the parlay are successful, then you win your parlay bet. If just one leg loses, your entire ticket will be graded as a loss.

Teasers

Teasers are like parlay bets as they involve multiple legs. However, with teasers you can move the spread in your favor to make your betting ticket more likely to hit. However, in exchange for doing this you will receive lower odds.

Live Betting

With live betting markets, the odds and lines are always changing depending on game flow. Live betting is a great way to find value. You can find all the bet types discussed in this article when live betting, except futures bets. At some sportsbooks, you will find that live betting is also called "in-play" betting as you are wagering on the action as it takes place.

Here's a quick overview of some of the more important dates for when Illinois legalized sports betting.

•       Mar 5, 2022: The in-person registration requirement officially ends, allowing full online sign-up for all sportsbooks statewide.

•       Aug 2020: DraftKings and FanDuel go live with online sportsbooks, establishing the foundation of Illinois' competitive market.

•       Jun 18, 2020: BetRivers launches as the first legal online sportsbook in Illinois.

•       Jun 2020: Governor Pritzker signs executive orders allowing remote registration during the COVID-19 pandemic, bypassing the in-person registration requirement.

•       Mar 9, 2020: The first legal sports bet in Illinois is placed at Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, operated by Rush Street Interactive.

•       Jun 28, 2019: Governor J.B. Pritzker signs SB 690 into law, making Illinois the 15th state to legalize sports betting. The law sets a 15% tax on operator adjusted gross revenue.

•       Jun 2, 2019: The Illinois General Assembly passes SB 690, an 816-page capital bill that includes the Illinois Sports Wagering Act, on the final day of the legislative session.•       Jan 2019: Multiple sports betting bills are introduced in the Illinois legislature with competing provisions on tax rates, mobile betting, and licensing.

•       May 2018: U.S. Supreme Court strikes down PASPA in Murphy v. NCAA, opening the door for states to legalize sports betting.

All licensed Illinois sportsbooks are required to offer responsible gambling tools, including deposit limits, wager limits, time limits, cool-off periods, and self-exclusion options. The IGB maintains a statewide Self-Exclusion Program (SEP) that allows individuals to voluntarily ban themselves from all licensed gambling activities in the state.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem, help is available. Call 1-800-GAMBLER for free, confidential support 24/7. You can also visit the IGB's Help for Problem Gamblers page or contact the Illinois Department of Human Services' Division of Behavioral Health & Recovery.